Congratulations, Stephen Jones!

Every year, 5,000 children and youth from all over Manitoba visit the RBC Youth BIOLab Jeunesse at St. Boniface Hospital’s Albrechtsen Research Centre. The program connects teachers and students to biomedical science by providing real-life experience in a world-class research centre. It has had a tremendous impact on the future generation of scientists – nearly 50,000 students have been taught by director Stephen Jones since the Youth BIOLab’s inception in 2005.

After working in partnership with Manitoba school divisions in the classroom for several years, Jones, a former medical researcher, set up a state-of-the-art laboratory in 2013 to better help youth develop meaningful connections with cutting-edge science and technology.

“This is a remarkable achievement and recognition for Steve, and for the program,” said Dr. Grant Pierce, Executive Director of Research for St. Boniface Hospital. “Through Steve’s hard work developing both program and partnerships, he has developed something that is unique in North America.”

“This is one of only 17 awards across the country for STEM teaching, so it’s a huge and humbling honour,” said Jones. “I’m grateful for the constant support and enthusiasm for the program. Meghan Kynoch and I couldn’t do all that we do without the support of the Research Centre, Foundation, and Hospital.”

Jones was featured in an article in the Winnipeg Free Press and will also be appearing as a guest of CTV Morning Live on Thursday, May 24.

Supporting Health Literacy through Science Education

The RBC Youth BIOLab Jeunesse is a space for students and teachers to explore and experience real biomedical science in a world-class research centre. Built with support from Manitoba Education, The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Youth BIOLab Jeunesse opened its doors to students in Spring 2013, and works in partnership with Manitoba school divisions and with the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to connect St. Boniface Hospital and St. Boniface Hospital Research to classroom learning.

The Foundation is a proud supporter of the RBC Youth BIOLab Jeunesse. You can help connect students to science – donate today!